Hey friends! I have had a busy stretch of real life since my last post, but while I was running around doing non-quilting things, I found myself wondering how you all keep your butt in the seat when you need to finish your project, but you want to be doing something else....ANYTHING else...
In the past, I have used all kinds of motivational techniques that I like to borrow from leadership training, time management systems, fitness regimes, parenting philosophies and good old fashioned bribery. ( If I finish this seam,I can eat 3 jelly beans, and if I iron those blocks, I can eat 3 more....) The good news is: every thing that I have tried works! At least, for a little while.... And then, it's on to the next gimmick to keep your butt in the seat and at the sewing machine.
This week, I have been forcing myself to sew by inviting my girlfriend over for "play dates." It's a great arrangement! She makes the coffee and lures me up to the sewing room with caffeine. Then, cheer each other on, visit, plan our next projects,
compete, and sew like crazy. (As an added bonus, my friend usually reduces the chaos of fabric on her side of the room, where her current quilt likes to sprawl over my projects in a never-ending game of 'cover-all.')
Well, friends, happy quilting this week and let me know what keeps your butt in the seat!
In the past, I have used all kinds of motivational techniques that I like to borrow from leadership training, time management systems, fitness regimes, parenting philosophies and good old fashioned bribery. ( If I finish this seam,I can eat 3 jelly beans, and if I iron those blocks, I can eat 3 more....) The good news is: every thing that I have tried works! At least, for a little while.... And then, it's on to the next gimmick to keep your butt in the seat and at the sewing machine.
This week, I have been forcing myself to sew by inviting my girlfriend over for "play dates." It's a great arrangement! She makes the coffee and lures me up to the sewing room with caffeine. Then, cheer each other on, visit, plan our next projects,
compete, and sew like crazy. (As an added bonus, my friend usually reduces the chaos of fabric on her side of the room, where her current quilt likes to sprawl over my projects in a never-ending game of 'cover-all.')
Well, friends, happy quilting this week and let me know what keeps your butt in the seat!
PS: This is my biggest stumbling block when it comes to finishing projects. If she's not sleeping on my squares, she's standing between my face and the sewing machine, or making laps around my shoulders, back, and chest (where she can head butt my face). She has learned that laying down on the cutting board doesn't halt progress,unless she lays on the ruler, too...